01/31/2026
🥬 Best Health Foods: Leeks 🥬
Leeks belong to the onion family and offer many of the same powerful health benefits, particularly their ability to lower “bad” cholesterol and support heart health. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor makes them a versatile ingredient while delivering an impressive nutrient profile.
Key health benefits of leeks:
1. Help reduce total LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improve arterial health.
2. Contain “good” cholesterol–boosting compounds that support cardiovascular function.
3. Offer anticancer benefits, especially for prostate, ovarian, and colon cancers, due to their natural allium sulfides.
4. Provide essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, iron, calcium, and potassium.
5. Mildly diuretic, helping reduce fluid retention.
6. High in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
Practical tip: Leeks often trap soil between their layers, so wash them thoroughly before cooking. Use more of the green tops to maximize nutrient intake. Steam, bake, or stir-fry leeks instead of boiling to preserve vitamins. When cooking, add the tougher dark green parts first, as they take longer to soften.
👉 Adding leeks to soups, stews, sautés, and roasted dishes is an easy way to elevate both flavor and nutrition.
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